This project focuses on the growing problem of Lepeophtheirus salmonis (sea lice) infestation in salmonids, in particular the salmon farming industry, with a view to developing alternative control methods than those in use. The parasites can affect salmon in a variety of ways by reducing growth, causing external damage, which reduces the value and marketability of the fish, and at high infestation levels can cause death. Current control methods encompass a combination of farm management and treatment with insecticidal chemicals. Due to increasing cases of reported resistance to these chemicals, the need for alternatives to these methods are recognised and one such potential method is vaccination. 20 candidate antigens have been identified as potential vaccines against the parasite. A successful vaccine would impact greatly on fish health in the aquaculture industry worldwide.
The ultimate goal of this research is the development of an effective vaccine against this parasite. Commercially, a vaccine would have a major impact on the salmon farming industry worldwide. Vaccines offer a better means of sea lice control compared with chemical treatments, not least in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of their long-term benefits. A vaccine would work by providing a preventative treatment, not just a control, there would be no residue in fish meat and, consequently, no withdrawal period before fish are harvested, thus benefiting the industry in a number of ways.
The Marine Institute, Galway.
Pablo Rojas
